Telecommunications diagnostic information management

ABSTRACT

A diagnostic tool is adapted to include the capability of initiating one or more diagnostic tests, collecting the raw data from the diagnostic test(s) and transporting the raw diagnostic data to an OSS. The OSS interprets the raw diagnostic data and stores the results in a database. The stored results can be searched, sorted, manipulated, analyzed, and the like. The results of any of these operations can then be, for example, displayed to one or more entities such as customer support, network operators, network planners, or the like.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a 371 of PCT/US04/14771, filed May 12, 2004, whichclaims the benefit of and priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 60/470,106, filed May 12, 2003, entitled“Dr. DSL OSS Architecture,” which are both incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to communication systems. Inparticular, an exemplary embodiment of this invention relates to theacquisition, transmission and analysis of diagnostic information.

2. Description of Related Art

The exchange of diagnostic and test information between transceivers ina telecommunications environment is an important part of atelecommunications, such as a DSL, deployment. In cases where theconnection is not performing as expected, for example, where the datarate is low, there are many bit errors, or the like, it could beadvantageous to collect diagnostic and test information from, forexample, a remote transceiver, such as a Customer Premises Equipment(CPE) modem. This is typically performed by dispatching a technician tothe remote site, e.g., a truck roll, which can be time consuming,expensive and labor intensive.

In DSL technology, communications over a local subscriber loop between aCentral Office (CO) and a subscriber premises is accomplished bymodulating the data to be transmitted onto a multiplicity of discretefrequency carriers which are summed together and then transmitted overthe subscriber loop. Individually, the carriers form discrete,non-overlapping communication subchannels of limited bandwidth.Collectively, the carriers form what is effectively a broadbandcommunications channel. At a receiver, the carriers are demodulated andthe transmitted data recovered.

DSL systems experience disturbances from other data services on adjacentphone lines, such as, for example, ADSL, HDSL, ISDN, T1, or the like.Furthermore, DSL systems can experience disturbances from otherenvironmental factors such as, for example, temperature changes, radiointerference, and the like. DSL systems can also experience disturbancesfrom in-home devices such as telephones that may be connected to thesame phone line with or without microfilters. Since DSL is envisioned asan always-on service, the effect of these disturbances should bereduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An exemplary aspect of this invention relates to data retrieval,organization and presentation thereof. A diagnostic tool collects datafrom a plurality of DSL sources, such as ADSL and ADSL2 CPE modems. Thisdiagnostic information is then forwarded, via an accompanying networkinfrastructure, to an Operational Support System (OSS). The acquireddata can be used to, for example, allow various groups within atelecommunications provider to analyze, manipulate, sort, and the like,the obtained diagnostic data independent of the particular DSL CentralOffice (CO) chipset and DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Line-AccessMultiplexers) implementation.

For example, the diagnostic information can be used for customer care.In particular, the diagnostic information can be reviewed for one ormore of the communication lines to determine if there is a problemwithin the home, for example, if there is a missing microfilter, or onthe line, as with a bridged tap, or in the binder group, for example, ascross talk. The diagnostic information can also be used for networkoperation support to allow, for example, proactive troubleshooting ofone or more lines where the performance has dropped below a bandwidththreshold or below a certain percentage. The diagnostic data can also beused by network planners to improve, for example, their knowledge of thenetwork by understanding average loop topology, noise, DSL performancefactors, and the like.

An exemplary operation of the system includes initiating one or morediagnostic tests, collecting the raw data from the diagnostic test(s)and transporting the raw diagnostic data to the OSS. The OSS interpretsthe raw diagnostic data and stores the results in a database. The storedresults can be searched, sorted, manipulated, analyzed, and the like.The results of any of these operations can then be, for example,displayed to one or more entities such as customer support, networkoperators, network planners, or the like.

These and other features and advantages of this invention are describedin, or are apparent from, the following description of the embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the invention will be described in detailed, withreference to the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an exemplarytelecommunications data management system according to this invention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of acquiring andforwarding diagnostic information according to this invention; and

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of analyzing andmanipulating diagnostic information according to this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described inrelation to acquiring, forwarding and analyzing diagnostic informationin a DSL environment. However, it should be appreciated, that ingeneral, the systems and methods of this invention will work equallywell for any type of communication system in any environment.

The exemplary systems and methods of this invention will also bedescribed in relation to DSL modems and associated communicationhardware, software and communication channels. However, to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the present invention, the following descriptionomits well-known structures and devices that may be shown in blockdiagram form or otherwise summarized.

For purposes of explanation, numerous details are set forth in order toprovide a thorough understanding of the present invention, it should beappreciated however that the present invention may be practiced in avariety of ways beyond the specific details. For example, the systemsand methods of this invention can generally be applied to any type ofcommunication system.

Furthermore, while the exemplary embodiments illustrated herein show thevarious components of the system collocated, it is to be appreciatedthat the various components of the system can be located at distantportions of a distributed network, such as a telecommunications networkand/or the Internet, or within a dedicated secure, unsecured and/orencrypted system. Thus, it should be appreciated that the components ofthe system can be combined into one or more devices, such as anoperational support system and modem, or collocated on a particular nodeof a distributed network, such as a telecommunications network. As willbe appreciated from the following description, and for reasons ofcomputational efficiency, the components of the system can be arrangedat any location within a distributed network without affecting theoperation of the system. For example, the various components can belocated in a CO modem, a CPE modem, or some combination thereof, and anoperational support system.

Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the various links connectingthe elements can be wired or wireless links, or any combination thereof,or any other known or later developed element(s) that is capable ofsupplying and/or communicating data to and from the connected elements.The term module as used herein can refer to any known or later developedhardware, software or combination of hardware and software that iscapable of performing the functionality associated with an element.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a diagnostic informationtool according to this invention. In particular, the diagnosticinformation tool comprises an operational support system (OSS) 100, auser computer 200, one or more CPE modems 300 (not equipped withinternal diagnostic capabilities), one or more DSLAM's 310, one or moreCPE modems 410 (equipped with internal diagnostic capabilities, such asan ADSL2 modem), and one or more DSLAM's 400, all interconnected bylinks 5 and one or more networks 10. The OSS 100 comprises a diagnosticinformation collection module 110, a diagnostic informationinterpretation module 120, a diagnostic information storage module 130,a data correlation and search module 140, a polling module 150 and anoutput module 160. The user computer 200 comprises, in addition to thenormal computer componentry, a diagnostic information acquisition module210 and a diagnostic information management module 220.

In a first exemplary embodiment, the OSS 100 collects and analyzesdiagnostic information from the CPE modem 300 that does not haveinternal diagnostic capabilities. Thus, the diagnostic informationacquisition module 210 and diagnostic information management module 220located on, for example, a user computer 200, are used to acquire andmanage/forward, respectively, diagnostic information to the OSS 100.

In a second exemplary embodiment, the modem includes the componentrynecessary for diagnostic information acquisition, and forwarding of thatinformation to the OSS 100. For example, the CPE modem 410, due to itsarchitecture, is capable of acquiring the diagnostic information withoutthe necessity of having an associated user computer and/or modem driversoftware. The CPE modem 410 can, for example, collect the diagnosticinformation directly off of, for example, the ADSL physical layer usingthe embedded diagnostic tools which can forward the collectedinformation to the operational support system 100.

For either or these systems, the initialization of diagnosticinformation acquisition is comparable. Either of the systems, e.g., usercomputer 200 and associated CPE modem 300, or the CPE modem 410, can bestarted in an automatic mode, a polling mode, a user initiated mode, oran OSS initiated mode.

In general, for either diagnostically enabled modems or modems withoutinternal diagnostic capabilities, based on one or more of an instructionor pre-configured criteria, the modem commences training in a diagnosticmode. The modem then acquires diagnostic information relating to, forexample, the communication link, signal-to-noise ratios, bit errorrates, bridged tap information, cross talk information, noise issues atthe modem premises, telephone(s) without microfilters, or the like. Uponacquiring the diagnostic information, the diagnostic information isforwarded, via the DSLAM, and network 10, to the OSS 100.

In the automated mode, the CPE modem 300, 410 automatically trains in adiagnostic mode, for example, at some predetermined interval such asevery start-up, every start-up within a certain time period, only everypredetermined number of start-ups, or the like, and then re-trains in astandard mode. This allows the carrier to automatically collectdiagnostic data, for example, every time the modem trains and allows adiagnostic analysis thereof.

This double-training mechanism can be implemented in the diagnosticinformation management module 220 or, for example, within the modemdriver software itself In a similar matter, the diagnostic enabled CPEmodem 410 can be configured to automatically initiate the diagnosticsession, however, does not require the componentry of the separate usercomputer 200 in that the functionality for diagnostic informationacquisition and forwarding is embedded therein.

The polling mode allows the OSS 100 to regulate if and when diagnosticinformation should be acquired. The CPE modem 300, 410 uponinitialization, can query the polling module 150 to determine ifdiagnostic information acquisition is required. For example, the pollingmodule 150 can include a table with, for example, an identifier of oneor more CPE modems. Thus, when the CPE modem contacts the DSLAM 300, theOSS 110 is also queried, in particular the polling module 150, todetermine if diagnostic information is required. If diagnosticinformation is requested, and in the case of CPE modem 300, thediagnostic information management module 220 instructs the diagnosticinformation acquisition module 210 to perform the requested test(s) inaccordance with the information requested by the polling module 150. Forexample, the polling module 150 can request one or more specific testsare run either immediately or at a later time by the diagnosticinformation acquisition module 210.

The polling module 150 can also maintain, for example, a table that canbe proactively updated to reflect desired requests for the acquisitionof diagnostic information. For example, upon receiving a customercomplaint, based on data throughput, or the like, the polling module 150can update the frequency of diagnostic information acquisition. Table Ibelow highlights some specific examples of the information the pollingmodule 150 can maintain based on a specific identifier, such as aspecific telephone number(s). In general however, any identifier can beused with comparable success.

TABLE I Telephone Number(s) Poll Information NPA- Nxx-Nyy PerformDiagnostic test on every start-up for range of numbers NPA- Nxx PerformDiagnostic test at a predetermined interval such as once a week NPA- NxxPerform Diagnostic test if selection criteria met, such as line length,geographic area, or any other selectable criteria NPA- Nxx PerformDiagnostic test if dynamically determined criteria satisfied, such as,support call recently received, low data rate detected on line,performance percentage below a threshold

Upon receiving the instruction to acquire diagnostic information, thediagnostic information management module 220 instructs the diagnosticinformation acquisition module 210 to perform data collection. Asdiscussed, this can be a “retriever” application that is modem-specific,and running on a user computer in communication with the CPE modem 300,via CPE drivers. The retriever application can also be embedded withinthe modem, such as in the CPE modem 410. In general, any type of“retriever” application can be used to acquire diagnostic informationfrom the modem. Furthermore, the type of acquired information can be anyinformation relating to, for example, the operation of one or more ofthe modem, communication link, and/or the central office modem.

In the case of the CPE modem 300, once the diagnostic information hasbeen retrieved by the diagnostic information acquisition module 210, thediagnostic information acquisition module 210 cooperates with thediagnostic information management module 220 to forward raw data, vianetwork 10 and links 5, to the operation support system 100, and inparticular the diagnostic information collection module 110. Similarly,the CPE modem 410 forwards the raw data, via network 10 and links 5, tothe operation support system 100, and in particular the diagnosticinformation collection module 110. It should be appreciated that the CPEmodems 300, 410 could also store the raw diagnostic data and forward thedata to the OSS 100 at a particular later time, or at the request of theOSS 100.

The initiation of diagnostic information acquisition can also be userinitiated. For example, the user could cycle the power on the modemand/or select, via, for example, a graphical user interface associatedwith the modem the running of one or more diagnostic informationacquisition features and/or tests.

The initiation of diagnostic information acquisition could also becommenced via an instruction received from the OSS 100. For example, theOSS 100 can forward an instruction to initiate diagnostic informationacquisition to the CPE modem 410, or to the diagnostic informationmanagement module 220 which, in cooperation with the diagnosticinformation acquisition module 210, performs the diagnostic informationacquisition.

The acquired diagnostic information for the CPE modem 300 can be storedin the diagnostic information management module 220 within the usercomputer 200. The acquired diagnostic information for the CPE modem 410can stored in the CPE modem 410 itself.

The raw data is then forwarded to the OSS 100 via, for example, ahigher-layer protocol such as, for example, an Internet Protocol (IP),Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) protocol, a Hyper Text TransferProtocol (HTTP), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), a Secure SocketsLayer (SSL) protocol, or in general any type of regular or robustcommunication protocol(s). Specifically, and in general, any protocolthat is capable of transferring the diagnostic information from the usercomputer or the diagnostic acquisition enabled modem to the OSS 100 canbe used with equal success with the systems and methods of thisinvention.

Once the OSS 100, and in particular the diagnostic informationcollection module 110, receives the raw diagnostic information, the OSS100 can perform various manipulations of the raw data. To aid intracking the raw diagnostic information, the diagnostic informationcollection module 110 acquires, for example, end user information thatcan be associated with the associated raw diagnostic information. Forexample, Table II illustrates various types user information with whichthe raw diagnostic data can be correlated.

TABLE II End User Information IP Address Dynamically assigned byCaptured by diagnostic carrier's DHCP information collection server toend user's module PC or to router IP address could be associated withparticular user ID or circuit ID Circuit ID Unique identifier Can behard coded in user tied to user's ADSL software service Can be used as aunique Can be used in key for a particular line provisioning and billingsystems Trial ID Unique Identifier that Can be assigned and can be used,for associated with diagnostic example, for a information particulartrial or group of diagnostic test(s) CPE MAC Media Access Control Can becaptured by Address Unique fixed hardware Diagnostic Information addressfor CPE hard Collection Module coded in CPE at time Can be used to tiedata of manufacture to a particular modem to determine, for example, ifa modem is producing inaccurate results and allows the correction ofdata in the interpretation DLL User Name User Name Usually entered byuser during installation Service Class of service Can allow troublereports Level based on class Can be entered by user during, for example,installation Address Street, City, Can be entered by user State, Zipduring installation Can be used to track/sort diagnostic data NPA-NxxArea Code and First Can track/sort results Three numbers of for aparticular CO telephone number

Having the raw data, analysis thereof can be performed. The diagnosticinformation interpretation module 120 provides the OSS 100 with thisfunctionality. In particular, the diagnostic information interpretationmodule 120 can have, for example, a plurality of graphical userinterfaces with lists of tests, sorts and/or filters that can be run onthe raw data. A user can select from one or more of the testssortsand/or filters and perform an analysis that can be, for example,displayed graphically on the output module 160. A user could then havethe option of storing one or more of the raw and analyzed diagnosticinformation in the diagnostic information storage module 130. The storedinformation can be, for example, indexed and sorted such that subsequentretrieval and correlation to other raw and/or analyzed results could beperformed.

As more analyzed and raw data is accumulated and stored in thediagnostics information storage module 130, an operator of the OSS 100can perform correlations and analysis between data received from one ormore modems and historical information. For example, correlationsbetween one or more modems, in one or more geographic areas and/orassociated with one or more local loops can be analyzed over a specifictime period, during specific environmental conditions, or the like. Theresults of these correlations can be output to, for example, the outputmodule 160 and displayed to a user.

The user of the OSS 100 can also be provided with an interface thatallows access to sort and/or search the information stored in thediagnostic information storage module 130. As with the correlation, thesearching can be, for example, for specific criteria, based on end-userinformation, certain information characteristics, trending information,or the like. The output of this searching can also be output on theoutput module 160.

In general, sorting and/or searching can be performed on any of the rawor analyzed test information in any field. The OSS 100 should also beaccessible to a plurality of parties in a plurality of locations.Accordingly, the OSS 100 could be outfitted with the appropriatearchitecture that allows for the access, through one or more of asecured or unsecured connections, to the various features therein.

In conjunction with acquisition of the raw diagnostic information, thediagnostic information collection module 110 can also obtain a circuitID that is a unique identifier found in provisioning, billing, and otherdatabase systems. Given the IP address of the modem, the circuit ID canbe determined and used as the identifier for storing information in thediagnostic information storage module 130. In addition, one or more ofthe user computer 200, CPE modem 410, and diagnostic informationcollection module 110 can record the date/time the diagnosticinformation was stored in the diagnostic information storage module 130.In addition, the raw and analyzed diagnostic information can besupplemented with one or more fields that allow, for example, usercomments regarding the diagnostic testing. These comments can be, forexample, specifics related to when the test was run and conditionsassociated therewith.

In addition, the circuit ID can be used for adding new users to thediagnostic information storage module 130. For example, upon receipt ofthe IP address, the circuit ID information from the most recent recordassociated with that circuit ID can be obtained. The registrationinformation for the identified user in the diagnostic informationstorage module 130 can then be automatically updated. This informationmay also include end-user data that is generally available on theend-user's PC as a result of an enrollment process which is part of thestandard end-user DSL installation.

The OSS 100 can also be equipped with administrative functionality togovern and regulate, for example, user access to the variousfunctionality and data stored therein.

Various reports can be produced by the output module 160, in cooperationwith one or more of data correlation and search module 140, diagnosticinformation storage module 130 and diagnostic information interpretationmodule 120. These reports can include, but are not limited to, collectedraw data, analyzed data, single line analysis and administration,spectral analysis, rate verse reach correlation, troubleshootinginformation, customer care, and the like.

Single line analysis and administration can, for example, use circuitidentifiers that match an initial search criteria to, with the help ofthe data correlation search module 140, one or more lines to analyze. Alist of historical information for that line can be retrieved from thediagnostic information storage module 130 such that, for example, acomparison between historical test information and a current test can beperformed. Records for that line can also be displayed with, forexample, run date/time information, actual verse maximum upstream datarate information, actual and maximum downstream data rate information,data rate reduction due to cross talk information, microfilter status,and the like. The user could also be provided with a graphical userinterface that allows, for example, through the selection of a check boxor comparable selection icon, the re-running of any of the previouslyrun tests, for example, immediately or, upon the next polling of thepolling module 150.

The spectral analysis report can provide an analysis of the type ofcross talk present in a carrier's network and impact on end-userservice. For example, using a standard search criteria, a report can begenerated with information relating to average cross talk impact,average noise floor, bandwidth reduction information, and cumulativeinformation, such as, for example, the top ten lines with the greatestdata rate reduction due to cross talk. For example, the average crosstalk impact information can include the average data rate reduction dueto cross talk, obtained at regular historical intervals for one or morecircuits within the database that meet the search criteria. The averagenoise floor can be, for example, a graph illustrating the carrier'saverage noise floor using, for example, the most recently run diagnosticinformation for one or more of the circuits in the database that meetthe search criteria. A graph of the output could also show, for example,the history of the noise floor from two weeks ago, two months ago, twoyears ago, twenty-four hours ago, or the like. The bandwidth reductioninformation can be, for example, a list of the cross talk sources, thenumber of lines where the identified cross talk source is the primarydisturber, the power and data rate reduction associated therewith, andthe like. For data and power rate reduction, a list of the average andstandard deviation can also be shown and output on the output module160.

The rate verse reach information can provide, for example, an analysisof rate verses reach using actual lines in the carrier's network. Using,for example, the standard search criteria, a report can be generatedwith information that includes rate and reach distribution and a plot ofthe rate and reach for one or more lines showing the average in bars andshowing the standard deviation in, for example, 500 or 1000 ft.increments. Additionally, a correlation coefficient can show how wellreach estimations predict rate.

A troubleshooter report can provide a list of lines where performancehas dropped more than a given percentage or below, for example, athreshold in one or more categories. In addition to the standard searchcriteria, a second search could be performed, allowing the user tosub-select any one or more of the following: period, maximum data ratepercentage decrease, actual data rate near threshold, or the like. Theperiod can be defined as a comparison period, and the current test datacan be compared with historical data from an initial installation, orany other time period at a given instant or during a specified durationthereafter. The maximum data rate percentage decrease can beillustrated, for example, in a graphical format using, for example,color coded graphs. Lines above, for example, a certain servicethreshold, can be illustrated in one color, like green, while lines ator below a certain committed rate could be colored yellow and red,respectively,

Similarly, the actual data rate and threshold data rate could beillustrated graphically where when, for example, a line's actual datarate is below a threshold. In addition, and with the cooperation of thediagnostic information interpretation module 120 and output module 160,the diagnostic information tool could be used to provide simple, yetvaluable information, to, for example, customer care representativesand/or service subscribers that may have little to no training. Forexample, in attempting to diagnose problems with a particular line, asearch can be run with the cooperation of the data correlation andsearch module 140 and output module 160. For example, upon a customercare representative receiving a customer care support call, a search forthe user's identifier can be performed and historical diagnosticinformation about the user's line retrieved from the diagnosticinformation storage module 130. The output module 160, in cooperationwith the data correlation and search module 140 could then, for example,assemble and present to the customer care support representative agraphical interface that allows, for example, selection of various testthat could be performed, access to historical test information, and/orproposed solutions based on one or more of raw and analyzed currentand/or historical diagnostic information.

For example, upon performing a search for a user's identifier, theuser's information could be retrieved and displayed with the cooperationof the output module 160. A list of, for example, the top ten tests forthat line could then be displayed with, for example, the customer carerepresentative being able to select, for example, with the click of amouse, the test they would like run and/or the retrieval of historicalinformation from one or more previously run tests. For each of thetest(s), historical information can be illustrated graphically with, forexample, color coded charts that are correlated to performance criteria.In addition, a chart can be used to, for example, assist the customercare representative with walking an end-user through self-helpdiagnostics to, for example, add a new microfilter and run a test to seeif any improvement in line conditions are achieved, or the like.

A user, such as a system administrator, could also automate one or moretesting procedures. For example, a user could perform a search of one ormore of the diagnostic information storage module and a database of endusers (not shown) and identify one or more systems for testing. Then,using one or more of automatic, polling based, user initiated and OSSinitiated triggering, the identified systems are “queued” to enter thediagnostic mode. Upon entering the diagnostic mode, all the identifiedsystems forward to the OSS 100 the raw diagnostic information about oneor more of the CPE modem, line conditions and the CO modem. The OSS 100,in cooperation with the appropriate modules, could then analyze the rawdiagnostic data and automatically generate one or more reports basedthereon.

For example, if a known problem in a specific geographic area or withina certain phone number range was experiencing problems, the datacorrelation and search module could automatically identify all themodems within the area, specify the time and type(s) of diagnostic teststo be performed, forward an instruction to perform the test and/orupdate the polling module if appropriate, and wait for the receipt ofthe raw diagnostic data upon completion of the test(s). Morespecifically, if a problem was occurring at a particular time, or duringa particular environmental condition, such as a temperature change orapparent electronic interference, one or more CPE modems could rundiagnostic tests at that time. This could aid, for example, diagnosis ofsystem problems whose influence on one or more of the CPE modem, line orCO modem may not be consistent or continuous.

FIG. 2 illustrates and exemplary method of acquiring diagnosticinformation according to this invention. In particular, control beginsin step S100 and continues to step S110. In step S110, a determinationis made whether diagnostic information should be acquired in anautomatic mode. If diagnostic information is to be acquired in anautomatic mode, control jumps to step S180. Otherwise, control continuesto step S120.

In step S120, a determination is made whether to poll the OSS todetermine whether to acquire diagnostic information. If the OSS is to bepolled, control jumps to step S130 where a determination is made whetherthe OSS is requesting diagnostic information. Otherwise, controlcontinues to step S150.

In step S130, if the OSS requests diagnostic data, control continues tostep S180. Otherwise control jumps to step S140 where the controlsequence ends.

In step S150, a determination is made whether a user initiateddiagnostic information request has been selected. If a user initiateddiagnostic information request has been selected, control jumps to stepS180. Otherwise, control continues to step S160.

In step S160, a determination is made whether an operational supportsystem initiated diagnostic information request has been received. If anOSS initiated diagnostic information acquisition request has beenreceived, control jumps to step S180. Otherwise, control continues tostep S170 where the control sequence ends.

In step S180, the modem trains in the diagnostic information acquisitionmode to secure the raw diagnostic information. Next, in step S190, theraw diagnostic information is acquired for one or more diagnostic tests.Then in step S200, the acquired diagnostic information is forwarded tothe operational support system. Control then continues to step S210where the control sequence ends.

FIG. 3 outlines an exemplary method of manipulating the raw dataaccording to this invention. In particular, control begins at step S300and continues to step S310. In step S310, the raw data is received.Next, in step S320, the raw data is associated with a particular modem,and hence, for example, a particular user. Next, in step S330, ananalysis of the raw data can be performed and result thereof stored instep S340. For example, upon receiving the raw data and knowing themodem identification, a certain set of test(s) can be automatically runand the analyzed data stored.

For example, if there is known trouble within a certain area, certaintest(s) can automatically be run that can, for example, assist acustomer care representative with upcoming support calls. In addition,raw data can simply be acquired from one or more modems at, for example,predetermined intervals and stored to provide, for example, historicalinformation that can be used to, for example, diagnose futureperformance related issues. In general, diagnostic information can beacquired at any time, and analysis thereof performed any time thereafterand there is no restriction on the frequency with which raw data can beacquired.

In step S350, a determination is made whether to perform a correlationbetween various portions of diagnostic information. If a correlation isto be performed, control continues to step S360. Otherwise, controljumps to step S380.

In step S360, the correlation if performed and in step S370 the resultoutput. Control then continues to step S380.

In step S380, a determination is made whether to perform a search forone or more of specific modem diagnostic information, performanceinformation, user information, or the like. If a search is to beperformed, control continues to step S390. Otherwise, control jumps tostep S410 where the control sequence ends.

In step S390, the sort and/or search of one or more of the raw andanalyzed data and/or field(s) associated therewith is performed. Theoutput of the sort and/or search is then output in step S400. Controlthen continues to step S410 where the control sequence ends.

The above-described system can be implemented on wired and/or wirelesstelecommunications devices, such a modem, a multicarrier modem, a DSLmodem, an ADSL modem, an XDSL modem, a VDSL modem, a multicarriertransceiver, a wired and/or wireless wide/local area network system, asatellite communication system, or the like, or on a separate programmedgeneral purpose computer having a communications device. Additionally,the systems, methods and protocols of this invention can be implementedon a special purpose computer, a programmed microprocessor ormicrocontroller and peripheral integrated circuit element(s), an ASIC orother integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a hard-wiredelectronic or logic circuit such as discrete element circuit, aprogrammable logic device such as PLD, PLA, FPGA, PAL, modem,transmitter/receiver, or the like. In general, any device capable ofimplementing a state machine that is in turn capable of implementing themethodology illustrated herein can be used to implement the variouscommunication methods, protocols and techniques according to thisinvention.

Furthermore, the disclosed methods may be readily implemented insoftware using object or object-oriented software developmentenvironments that provide portable source code that can be used on avariety of computer or workstation platforms. Alternatively, thedisclosed system may be implemented partially or filly in hardware usingstandard logic circuits or VLSI design. Whether software or hardware isused to implement the systems in accordance with this invention isdependent on the speed and/or efficiency requirements of the system, theparticular function, and the particular software or hardware systems ormicroprocessor or microcomputer systems being utilized. Thecommunication systems, methods and protocols illustrated herein howevercan be readily implemented in hardware and/or software using any knownor later developed systems or structures, devices and/or software bythose of ordinary skill in the applicable art from the functionaldescription provided herein and with a general basic knowledge of thecomputer and telecommunications arts.

Moreover, the disclosed methods may be readily implemented in softwareexecuted on programmed general purpose computer, a special purposecomputer, a microprocessor, or the like. In these instances, the systemsand methods of this invention can be implemented as program embedded onpersonal computer such as JAVA® or CGI script, as a resource residing ona server or computer workstation, as a routine embedded in a dedicatedcommunication system or system component, or the like. The system canalso be implemented by physically incorporating the system and/or methodinto a software and/or hardware system, such as the hardware andsoftware systems of a communications transceiver and operations supportsystem.

It is therefore apparent that there has been provided, in accordancewith the present invention, systems and methods for exchangingcommunication parameters. While this invention has been described inconjunction with a number of embodiments, it is evident that manyalternatives, modifications and variations would be or are apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. Accordingly, it isintended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalentsand variations that are within the spirit and scope of this invention.

1. A telecommunications information management system comprising: adiagnostic information collection module configured to obtain rawdiagnostic information from one or more DSL sources utilizing ahigh-layer protocol; a diagnostic information interpretation moduleconfigured to analyze the raw diagnostic information; and a data searchand correlation module configured to perform searches of the rawdiagnostic information and analyzed diagnostic information.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a polling module that identifieswhen one or more of the one or more modems are to perform a diagnostictest.
 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a searchablediagnostic information storage module that stores the raw diagnosticinformation and the analyzed diagnostic information.
 4. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the data search and correlation module performs one ormore of searches of historical information, comparisons of historicalinformation from one or modems to one or more other modems, correlationsbetween one or more of the raw diagnostic information and analyzeddiagnostic information, retrieves of one or more of modem or userinformation and performs historical trending information.
 5. The systemof claim 1, wherein the one or modems are one or more of a modem withinternal diagnostic capabilities and a modem adapted to communicate witha personal computer having diagnostic modules.
 6. The system of claim 1,further comprising an output module adapted to cooperate with the datacorrelation module and diagnostic information interpretation module toprovide a user with repair solutions.
 7. The system of claim 1, whereinthe high-layer protocol is one or more of an internet protocol (IP),asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) protocol, a Hyper Text TransferProtocol (HTTP) and a Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP).
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein a request to obtain the raw diagnosticinformation can be one or of automatically initiated, polling based,user initiated and operations support center initiated.
 9. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising an output module adapted to display one ormore of the raw diagnostic information and the analyzed diagnosticinformation, modem information, user information, available tests, mostpopular tests and repair instructions.
 10. The system of claim 1,wherein the one or more DSL sources are one or more of an ADSL modem,ADSL2 modem, xDSL modem, VDSL modem, VDSL2 modem and a multicarriertransceiver.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more DSLsources are one or more of a CO xDSL modem and a CPE xDSL modem.
 12. Atelecommunications information management method comprising: obtainingraw diagnostic information from one or more DSL sources utilizing ahigh-layer protocol; analyzing the raw diagnostic information; storingthe raw diagnostic information and the analyzed diagnostic information;and searching the raw diagnostic information and analyzed diagnosticinformation.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising polling todetermine when one or more of the one or more modems are to perform adiagnostic test.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the searchingincludes one or more of searches of historical information, comparisonsof historical information from one or modems to one or more othermodems, obtaining correlations between one or more of the raw diagnosticinformation and analyzed diagnostic information, retrieval of one ormore of modem or user information and performing historical trendinginformation retrieval.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the one ormodems are one or more of a modem with internal diagnostic capabilitiesand a modem adapted to communicate with a personal computer havingdiagnostic functionality.
 16. The method of claim 12, further comprisingproviding repair solutions.
 17. The method of claim 12, wherein thehigh-layer protocol is one or more of an internet protocol (IP),asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) protocol, a Hyper Text TransferProtocol (HITTP) and a Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP).
 18. Themethod of claim 12, wherein a request to obtain the raw diagnosticinformation can be one or of automatically initiated, polling based,user initiated and operations support center initiated.
 19. The methodof claim 12, further comprising displaying one or more of the rawdiagnostic information and the analyzed diagnostic information, modeminformation, user information, available tests, most popular tests andrepair instructions.
 20. The method of claim 12, wherein the one or moreDSL sources are one or more of an ADSL modem, ADSL2 modem, xDSL modem,VDSL modem and a multicarrier transceiver.
 21. The method of claim 12,wherein the one or more DSL sources are one or more of a CO xDSL modemand a CPE xDSL modem.
 22. A telecommunications information managementsystem comprising: means for obtaining raw diagnostic information fromone or more DSL sources utilizing a high-layer protocol; means foranalyzing the raw diagnostic information; means for storing the rawdiagnostic information and the analyzed diagnostic information; andmeans for searching the raw diagnostic information and analyzeddiagnostic information.
 23. The system of claim 22, wherein the meansfor searching includes one or more of searches of historicalinformation, comparisons of historical information from one or modems toone or more other modems, correlations between one or more of the rawdiagnostic information and analyzed diagnostic information, retrieval ofone or more of modem or user information and performing historicaltrending information retrieval.